Wool Mattress Toppers

Wool pillow tops are cozy and plush

Although the idea of sleeping on a wool mattress topper may not sound at all appealing, they can be surprisingly plush and cozy, not itchy. They are available in a variety of wools and wool blends, and since the material is natural, there are advantages to having a wool mattress topper rather than a synthetically made pillow up; for instance, natural wool is resistant to dust mites and mold.

Wool mattress toppers are primarily available in lamb's wool (sometimes referred to as fleece), alpaca or some sort of blend. Much like a feather mattress topper, wool pillow tops are meant for comfort rather than support. Toppers that contain only one type wool tend to flatten out quicker than those that are made of a wool blend. There are also wool-blend toppers available with cotton, polyester or latex fillings, which tend to keep their shape longer. Lamb's wool is softer than alpaca, which will make it feel more luxurious to some, but lamb's wool will flatten quicker than an alpaca topper will.

One of the major selling points of wool pillow top mattress pads is the fact that they are naturally hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial and resist dust mites. Wool also naturally absorbs moisture and breathes easily, making wool mattress toppers ideal for body temperature regulation. They help to create additional warmth when it's cold, but also wick away sweat when it's hot, thus keeping the body cooler. Since wool dries quickly, it resists various allergens that prefer a moist environment.

All-wool mattress toppers are highly durable and should last for many years, though some hold up better than others. A lamb's wool topper will flatten quicker than other kinds, but will fill back in after being steam cleaned. Lamb's wool can be machine washed, but has a tendency to shed, so steam cleaning is preferable to keep it intact and restore its shape.

Alpaca wool pillow tops are usually blended with other types of wool, because alpaca is too soft to maintain its shape for an extended period of time. These alpaca-blend toppers are a bit firmer than the lamb's wool ones and will take longer to flatten. Some alpaca wool toppers may be machine washable, but dry cleaning is the preferred method for cleaning.

Available for all mattress sizes, wool mattress toppers vary in price depending on the type of wool or wool blend you choose. Standard queen-sized lamb's wool toppers range from $130 to $700, while alpaca wool blend toppers go for $250 to $500. SnugFleece is one brand that offers a 100 percent lamb's wool topper for around $250, while Crescent Moon offers an alpaca and sheep’s wool blend with a cotton cover for around $350.